Glass Industry Horizons: Decarbonization Pathways & Global Supply Solutions
Navigating the Energy Transition in Glass Manufacturing
The glass industry stands at a crucial juncture as manufacturers evaluate their pathways to decarbonization. A landmark development came in September 2024 when Verallia inaugurated the world’s largest all-electric furnace for glass packaging in Cognac, France. This pioneering installation, utilizing Fives’ Prium® E-Melt technology, demonstrates the viability of large-scale electric melting, producing 180 tonnes of glass per day while reducing CO2 emissions by 60% compared to traditional gas furnaces. Meanwhile, developments in hydrogen-oxygen combustion systems have shown promising results, with new installations achieving up to 50% reduction in CO2 emissions through natural gas and hydrogen blends.
However, this transition brings important considerations for plant operators. The shift requires careful evaluation of local power infrastructure, particularly access to reliable green energy sources. We understand these challenges and our technical team is available to discuss how these changes might affect your operation and help evaluate suitable refractory solutions for your transition strategy.
Supply Chain Resilience: Strategies for 2025 and Beyond
Recent global events have fundamentally changed supply chain dynamics in our industry. Rising sea freight costs and extended transit times are pushing manufacturers to rethink their approach to material sourcing and inventory management. With raw materials now representing approximately 70% of production costs, strategic supply chain management has become more critical than ever.
Successful manufacturers are adapting by developing relationships with multiple suppliers across different regions and implementing more sophisticated inventory management systems. Our strategic manufacturing presence in Italy and Bulgaria positions us uniquely to serve not only European markets but also to extend reliable supply throughout Central Asia and Asia. This geographical advantage enables us to offer guidance in developing robust supply strategies tailored to your specific needs, whether you operate in Europe or across Asian markets.
Technical Focus: Adapting to New Melting Technologies
The transition to new melting technologies brings unique technical challenges that require careful consideration. Electric melting creates different temperature profiles and wear patterns, while hydrogen-oxygen combustion affects heat distribution and material requirements. Understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining optimal operations during and after the transition.
Our laboratory facilities are available to help analyze specific wear patterns and material performance in your current operation, supporting your transition planning with concrete data and expertise.
Industry Events & Looking Ahead
The future of glass manufacturing requires collaborative solutions to address both energy transition and supply chain challenges. We invite you to join us at World of Glass 2025 (formerly Mir Stekla) in Moscow from March 11-14, and at Glassman Europe in Istanbul this May (14-15), where we’ll be sharing insights from recent case studies in energy transition projects.
For detailed technical discussions or to arrange a consultation, please reach out to your local technical representative. We’re here to support your success in this evolving landscape.
